Bundesliga ace could be the superhero to rescue Man United

Red Devils join the race for Gabon striker

Manchester United’s ongoing search for additional firepower has seen them ‘join the race’ to sign Bundesliga hotshot Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Borussia Dortmund striker, 26, is thought to also be a target for Arsenal, Barcelona and Chelsea, but having had him watched on several occasions already this term United boss Louis van Gaal is expected to make a move in January.

The France-born Gabon striker will not come cheap, however, with his rumoured valuation standing at a hefty £42m but having seen their man net 25 goals in 22 games so far this season Dortmund find themselves in a strong bargaining position.

Aubameyang started his career at Milan but failed to make it into the senior team, instead being loaned to Dijon, Lille, Monaco and Saint-Etienne, the latter of those moves being made permanent in 2011.

A glut of goals in Ligue 1 – 31 in 62 appearances for Les Verts – saw Dortmund come calling and the striker hasn’t looked back since moving to Germany.

In total he has bagged 66 goals in just 117 games for Dortmund, helping his side claim the DFL-Supercup in 2013 and 2014.

With Wayne Rooney and Anthony Martial failing to set Old Trafford alight in recent weeks and James Wilson being sent out on loan the need for striking reinforcements has become clear at United and even at £42m the man who was Dortmund’s highest scorer and highest assist maker last season would look a bargain if bringing such form to England.

Aubameyang is contracted to Dortmund until 2020 so a January swoop appears unlikely, but with Europe’s top clubs already circling Van Gaal could be tempted to test the waters in the New Year to steal a march on his rivals.

United are next in action at home to West Ham and despite the form of their misfiring forwards the hosts go into the game as 4/9 favourites. Should Rooney and co. fluff their lines again, however, the 13/2 on the Irons taking all three points could prove the value bet.

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After studying for a degree in journalism and gaining his NCTJ, James contributed to a wide range of papers, online publications and broadcasters including the South London Press, Press Association and Sky Sports News before joining the Ladbrokes News team.

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